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The Storm That Swept Mexico

March 12, 2013

The Storm That Swept Mexico tells the epic story of the Mexican Revolution of 1910. Fueled by the Mexican people's growing dissatisfaction with an elitist ruling regime, the revolution was led by two of the most intriguing and mythic figures in 20th century history— Emiliano Zapata and Francisco "Pancho" Villa. At stake was Mexico's ability to claim its own natural resources, establish long-term democracy and re-define its identity. Capturing the color, drama, intrigue, and tragedy of the era, The Storm That Swept Mexico also explores how the Mexican revolution not only changed the course of Mexican history, transforming economic and political power with within the nation, but also profoundly impacted the relationships between Mexico, the U.S. and the rest of the world. The first hour, “The Tiger is Unleashed,” charts the struggle by Francisco I. Madero and his followers to end the long dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz, and traces the emergence of the remarkable populist heroes Zapata and Villa. The second hour, “The Legacy,” examines international influence on the revolution as well as Mexico’s flourishing cultural revolution. More than ten years in the making and featuring interviews with a variety of scholars, veterans of the Revolution and a trove of film footage virtually unseen in close to a century, The Storm That Swept Mexico is a fascinating exploration of the beliefs and conditions that led to the revolution, influenced the course of the conflict, and determined its consequences over the century that followed. Produced by Raymond Telles and Kenn Rabin.

Produced with support by an NEH grant, The Storm That Swept Mexico originally aired in May 2011. It will be rebroadcast on March 12, 2013 on PBS. Check local listings.